BLUES have no immediate plans to redevelop the Main Stand at St Andrew's - as they remain determined to realise their dream of a new super stadium.

BLUES have no immediate plans to redevelop the Main Stand at St Andrew's - as they remain determined to realise their dream of a new super stadium.

Managing director Karren Brady admitted that talks with the City Council have continued, despite the collapse of the super casino-funded sports village plan.

That #250million project in Saltley to build the 52,000 all-seater City of Birmingham Stadium bit the dust once council chiefs ludicrously decided to back the rival NEC plan in Solihull.

Inevitably, the NEC failed to make the shortlist for a super casino licence in June and recently Solihull local authority's plea that the Casino Advisory Panel reconsider was rebuffed.

The City of Birmingham proposal would have better met the Government's regeneration requirements needed for a super casino licence.

However, after initial criticism of the City Council, Blues decided to plough on with their attempt to rehouse from St Andrew's.

And the site near the Birmingham Wheels Park in Saltley remains earmarked for a multi-purpose sports stadium and village.

St Andrew's celebrates its 100th anniversary on Boxing Day, which has sparked questions about the decrepit Main Stand.

Fans have longed for it to be rebuilt to come into line with the rest of the ground.

But Brady admitted that Blues have bigger fish to fry.

"We have not given up our dream of a sports village for Birmingham, to include a multi-purpose stadium, that will give the city a chance to host the Commonwealth Games, as well as providing jobs and recreation for young people," she said.

"We are still talking to the council about how this could be done now that the casino licence is not part of the equation, so lots is still going on behind the scenes.

"As far as the Main Stand is concerned, until these talks are exhausted we will not be developing it, although we are putting in place a refurbishment programme for toilets and facilities at the end of the season."

Blues do have planning permission to rebuild the Main Stand, and they have consulted with local residents behind the present site about what the future might entail should they go ahead and knock it down.

But with the cost of 'finishing off' St Andrew's put at anywhere between #10million and #15million, and with the super stadium dream still alive, it has been put into cold storage for the time being.

The Government may decide to launch a fresh bidding round for a super casino licence, and that would allow the City Council to seriously join forces with Blues.

And the city's regeneration boss has continued to trumpet the idea of the sports village concept, especially with the 2012 London Olympics on the horizon.

Coun Ken Hardeman (Con, Brandwood) said: "I believe we should explore more fully the concept of a sports village, particularly in view of the opportunities that could arise in the run-up to the Olympics.

"I am hoping this will become a top priority for Birmingham in coming years."

On December 26, Blues host QPR at St Andrew's, 100 years to the day when Middlesbrough provided the first opposition at the ground.

Various commemorative celebrations are planned, including fun activities for kids and families.